Big Darby Creek Float Trip
Float a section of beautiful Big Darby Creek, a state and national Scenic River. Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is once again co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak float trip on Big Darby Creek with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program. This trip will traverse the lower stretches of the Big Darby before entering the Scioto River at the confluence and floating downstream to the takeout point.
We will put-in at the bridge on McLean Mill Road just south of the unincorporated community of Fox, and take-out at the ODNR Elmon Richards Scioto River Access property just north of Highway 22 bridge in Circleville (see detailed location information below), a little over 5 miles downstream.
We will take the opportunity to view some of the properties that have been protected by AOA as part of our Darby Creek and Scioto River Flyway Corridor Initiatives. These sites are important components of AOA’s river conservation mission that helps safeguard our riparian corridors, water quality, native habitats, aquatic species and scenic assets.
Bob Gable, Ohio Scenic Rivers Program Manager, will lead this adventure. We will stop periodically to explore the stream and look for aquatic species. ODNR staff will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the creek as well as other Darby Creek aquatic features. We are also planning a short stop at “Trautman’s Riffle”, infamous for the rare fish species identified in this section of the Big Darby.
ODNR will provide canoes that will be available for participants without their own watercraft. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are included. All participants are required to wear life vests while on the river.
Participants who would like to use their own canoe or kayak are welcome. Single and inexperienced paddlers will be paired with a partner based on experience level. We will try to place at least one person with paddling experience in each canoe to navigate the natural meanders of the river environment.
This trip will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately for the weather and getting wet. Also, see the note below regarding water conditions. This trip is open to the public. Spend a fun summer day on the river while learning first-hand about AOA’s riparian corridor and watershed conservation efforts!
RSVP Required. Participants must RSVP to assure availability of a canoe or kayak. You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220. Be sure and include the name, phone number and email for everyone you want to register for the trip. We must have this information for each individual you register.
Let Al know if you will be bringing your own canoe or kayak or will need to use an ODNR canoe. Please RSVP by 5:00 Friday to assure a spot. Al will respond and confirm your place on the participant list. Please note that spaces can fill quickly and all info must be received to confirm a space.
Time. We will rendezvous at the takeout site on the Scioto River. All participants should be at the takeout location by 9:15 a.m. at the latest, to allow time to carpool to the put-in site, register and get your canoe ready and on the river ready to depart at 9:45 a.m. Please be on time. We expect the trip to last approximately 4 – 5 hours.
What to Bring. Bring your own drinks, snacks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, bug repellant, hat, and/or water shoes or old sneakers. Any children weighing less than 50 pounds are required to bring their own appropriately sized life vest if they will be in an ODNR canoe.
Location. Please note that there is no parking at the put-in site at the McLean Mill Road bridge. All participants need to meet at the takeout site – Elmon Richards Scioto River Access. The River Access is located on the north side of Highway 22/West Main Street on the west bank of the Scioto River. Look for AOA signs and staff to direct parking. We will carpool everyone to the put-in site.
Participants bringing their own canoe / kayak should drop off their craft and any members of their group at the put-in location on McLean Mill Road prior to going to the takeout site (Note: you must allow time to drop off craft and still be at the takeout site by 9:15).
Google Map Link. Use this Google map link to take out site (Elmon Richards Scioto River Access): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Elmon+Richards+Scioto+River+Fishing+Access/@39.6008167,-82.9577546,1168m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x884777e789cfab01:0xe17e5d0ba28f325e!8m2!3d39.6008167!4d-82.9577546!16s%2Fg%2F11fs_k27tj?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Water Conditions. This trip will be postponed in the event of severe weather forecast or high-water conditions on Darby Creek. Please note that water levels fluctuate and are highly dependent on local rains this week. Water levels have been up from the recent rainstorms. If we determine that conditions require the trip to be postponed, we will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page. We will also email everyone who has registered for the event, if any notices or postponements are necessary. Participants can call AOA at (614.783.0220) if you need to check on river conditions or the trip status.